Welcome

Welcome to the POZ/AIDSmeds Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and
others concerned about HIV/AIDS. Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the
conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning: Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive
and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a
username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own
physician.

All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators
of these forums. Click here for “Am I Infected?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ/AIDSmeds community forums.

We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please
provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are
true and correct to their knowledge.

Author
Topic: Daughter took my toothbrush (Read 9982 times)

Hi all, Its been awhile since I posted, but I have regularly check out the site.

I have been diagnosed HIV since 2006..I have been undetectable since then,and remain healthy.

I have a 1 1/2 year daughter who is HIV NEG.,when I got home from work, my wife said she need to tell me something..She said that my daughter got a hold of my tooth brush and rinsed it and sucked on it.

I do have gums that bleed when I floss ,but they dont bleed when I brush..Should we be concerned? should I get her tested?

There is absolutely no concern over this issue. Had you been brushing, and passed a very bloody toothbrush directly to someone who instantly sucked on it, there is a theoretical risk.

But HIV can not remain viable outside the body.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

Dingo, how long have you been positive now? I get the anxiety, but come on, this shit is hiv 101 if not "an introduction to hiv". It's YOUR responsibility to know how this virus is and is not transmitted and frankly, you failed.

Geeze, your daughter is not going to become infected through sucking your toothbrush. Or any thing belonging to you.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Why does the CDC still say not to share toothbrushes or razors? Is this just out of precaution in case someone immediately used the same razor as someone poz? I've wondered about my partner using my electric razor. However, I don't think he's ever used it immediately after I used it. Plus, I don't think there is a single documented case of transmission this way, so the warnings must just be to cover themselves.

Dingo, how long have you been positive now? I get the anxiety, but come on, this shit is hiv 101 if not "an introduction to hiv". It's YOUR responsibility to know how this virus is and is not transmitted and frankly, you failed.

Geeze, your daughter is not going to become infected through sucking your toothbrush. Or any thing belonging to you.

Well, to be honest, this was my wifes idea to post, she is a nervous nelly, but i figure I'd tried to make her feel better and post..I do know,but I at times still feel crappy bout this whole thing,and at times I feel I owe it to her if things like this (posting)makes her feel better.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Dingo- I keep my toothbrush and everyone else's closed up in the closet. After meeting, Minismom, in Boston, and her telling me about particles in the air floating around from the hand dryers and toilet flushing, I thought it might help a little. My little ones can reach thiers but not mine. I can't believe your daughter is that big already, it seems like just yesterday that you guys had her You almost at the terrible two's. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!Snow

I can't believe this is an issue. What will it take to get rid of these rediculous NON-ISSUES?

I guess it will never end. So sad. Sad, yet fustrating as hell. What rock have you been living under, Dingo?

Just because its a non issue to you doesnt mean its a non issue to the op, thats why he asked the question. He is obviously concerned about his baby.To say it makes you sad and is frustrating as hell for you and then you ask him what rock he has been living under is a bit dramatic to say the least the guy has every right to ask this question.I was issued a general hiv informaton booklet by my hospital 2 years ago when firstly diagnosed which clearly stated that sharing a toothbrush or razor was a big no no this i assume is because of possible transmission risks however small they may be.

Just because its a non issue to you doesnt mean its a non issue to the op, thats why he asked the question. He is obviously concerned about his baby.To say it makes you sad and is frustrating as hell for you and then you ask him what rock he has been living under is a bit dramatic to say the least the guy has every right to ask this question.I was issued a general hiv informaton booklet by my hospital 2 years ago when firstly diagnosed which clearly stated that sharing a toothbrush or razor was a big no no this i assume is because of possible transmission risks however small they may be.

You're taking this out of context and prior history of the poster and prior relationships between long term forum members.

It's not advisable for anyone regardless of hiv status. Sharing razors is a good way to spread skin infections and sharing toothbrushes is a good way to spread the flu and the common cold, amongst other things. But hiv? No.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

It's not advisable for anyone regardless of hiv status. Sharing razors is a good way to spread skin infections and sharing toothbrushes is a good way to spread the flu and the common cold, amongst other things. But hiv? No.

Maybe you should take a read of this Ann and then give me your views.(see paragraph titled " how can i protect myself ", point 5 )"Donít share razors or toothbrushes because of they may have the blood of another person on them. "http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/brochures/at-risk.htm

Tommy, the CDC is ridiculously OTT when it comes to their transmission advice. We have to debunk things that they say over in the Am I forum every friggin day. They present what amounts to nothing more than theoretical possibilities as true risks and I am thoroughly fed up with it.

It's theoretically possible that you'll step outside your house and get hit by a meteorite, but does that make you stay in the house?

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Maybe you should take a read of this Ann and then give me your views.(see paragraph titled " how can i protect myself ", point 5 )"Donít share razors or toothbrushes because of they may have the blood of another person on them. "http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/brochures/at-risk.htm

Who writes this stuff for them Ann and who do they represent, as if its not correct its very wrong and very confusing. How long would hiv survive outside the body on a toothbrush ? any idea as lots of peoples gums bleed when cleaning teeth so if two people with gum problems used the same toothbrush one after the other and the first person was hiv pos is would the second person have anychance whatsoever of infection?

Not only is saliva not infectious, but it also contains over a dozen different proteins and enzymes that damage hiv and render it unable to infect.

Hiv is a very fragile, difficult to transmit virus. It is primarily transmitted through unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse where the virus never leaves the confines of the two bodies. Once hiv is outside the body, small changes in temperature and pH and moisture levels all quickly damage the virus and render it unable to infect.

The combination of cold water, saliva, toothpaste and the exposure to the environment outside the body is why it's futile to worry about being infected from someone's toothbrush.

Pretty much the same thing with a razor. It's the exposure to the environment outside the body, hot water and shaving foam.

As to why the CDC says some of the things they say, I'd love to know the answer to that. Other than a simple case of CYA (cover your ass) I can't imagine. It pisses me off no end because all they're doing with this scaremongering is perpetuating the stigma and discrimination we face.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

It's all about covering their filthy asses. We all know well that many people claim to have been infected either from oral sex encounters or other forms of immaculate transmission. There is no way to absolutely prove that they actually got it from doing too many semen shots at their local bathhouse. These would be the very same people who would turn around with a multimillion dollar lawsuit against the CDC for not having protected them.

Logged

"I have tried hard--but life is difficult, and I am a very useless person. I can hardly be said to have an independent existence. I was just a screw or a cog in the great machine I called life, and when I dropped out of it I found I was of no use anywhere else."

Who writes this stuff for them Ann and who do they represent, as if its not correct its very wrong and very confusing. How long would hiv survive outside the body on a toothbrush ? any idea as lots of peoples gums bleed when cleaning teeth so if two people with gum problems used the same toothbrush one after the other and the first person was hiv pos is would the second person have anychance whatsoever of infection?

The toothbrush stuff has been around for years. Doesn't matter that it's never been substantiated nor occurred anywhere else, inexperienced people (and cranky types with an axe to grind) love to trot it out.

It's shit, of course. The established science demonstrates clearly how HIV is transmitted. But if you want to chase this particularly silly squirrel up a very tall tree, have at it. You'll just make yourself look like a total crackpot.

In the late 80s and early 90s, there was speculation as to how HIV was transmitted. People with HIV were not allowed to play sports, serve or cook food, and often family members would wear latex gloves when tending to the ill.

We ONLY had patient report to rely on, as most people died before a decent-sized study of any appreciable length could be conducted. And serodiscordant couples were few and far between. The stigma NOW is nothing compared to the stigma THEN.

So, as notoriously unreliable as patient report is (and God/dess knows we have seen enough examples in this forum) it is simply all we had at the time. The CDC made their assessments based on some flimsy science, and has stubbornly refused to change, in any appreciable way, their findings.

But then came HAART, anti - retroviral Therapy. People started living longer, and more important, were HEALTHY longer, including having active sex lives. The Romero study and the Page-Shaeffer studies were made possible by this miracle.

Hundreds of sero-discordant couples, followed for ten years, five years, and fifteen years respectively, and the handful of infections that took place were traced to broken (or unused) condoms for penetrative anal and/or vaginal intercourse.

These were couples with all sorts of variables. Some people were on meds. Some were not. Some had huge viral loads. Some did not. They were all sexually exclusive, and used condoms ONLY for penetrative anal/vaginal intercourse. They DID NOT use condoms for oral sex, male/female or vice versa.

This, combined with first-tiered peer-reviewed scientific evidence asserting the HIV-hostile properties in saliva (which number around a dozen) as well as the very few areas of receptor cells in the human mouth, make HIV infection through this route extremely rare, if it indeed happens at all.

The OP stated that hsi daughter used his toothbrush after he had presumably left it in it's holder and exited the bathroom, indeed their home. She RINSED it. And then sucked on it.

HIV CAN NOT remain viable outside the body. Assuming that he even HAD blood on the toothbrush, by the time he exited the bathroom, it would have been rendered harmless. Hell, by the time he took his hand away from it, it would have been harmless.

HIV is an infectious disease, not a contagious one.

Tommy, you mention the stigma in another thread. Don't you realize that continuing your ignorance perpetuates that stigma?

You have recently entered this forum and have seen fit to call out other members for their behaviour, and have questioned the validity of scientific methodology as regards vitamins and HIV, even expressing an ignorance of the interactions between HIV meds and other therapies as you gave advice and offered speculation.

And now it appears that you have never even read the LESSONS section of this website on transmission. It is well researched, and thoroughly cited. I highly recommend that both you and the OP do this. READ the thing. God/dess knows we worked hard enough on it.

Fighting the stigma against people with HIV begins with YOU. Your enemy in fighting this thing will ALWAYS be ignorance. Knowing when to start meds; knowing which meds to take and with what; knowing what they are doing to your body (knowing what ANYTHING you put into your body does). And most importantly, knowing HOW HIV is spread and how it is not.

I will get flamed for this, I bet. But I have science to back up my assertions. I will cheerfully, AGAIN, throw down the relevant articles. But hell, just search these forums for any oral sex or disclosure thread than runs for more than a single page, and you are likely to find them.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

The toothbrush stuff has been around for years. Doesn't matter that it's never been substantiated nor occurred anywhere else, inexperienced people (and cranky types with an axe to grind) love to trot it out.

It's shit, of course. The established science demonstrates clearly how HIV is transmitted. But if you want to chase this particularly silly squirrel up a very tall tree, have at it. You'll just make yourself look like a total crackpot.

MtD

That shouldn't require much additional work on his part.

Logged

"I have tried hard--but life is difficult, and I am a very useless person. I can hardly be said to have an independent existence. I was just a screw or a cog in the great machine I called life, and when I dropped out of it I found I was of no use anywhere else."

As to why the CDC says some of the things they say, I'd love to know the answer to that. Other than a simple case of CYA (cover your ass) I can't imagine. It pisses me off no end because all they're doing with this scaremongering is perpetuating the stigma and discrimination we face.

Hey Luv,

One of the reasons that CDC information rarely changes, is that the decisions are often politically based, as opposed to science based. It's the same reason we had 8 years of non-sex education, because abstinence was the religious/moral flavor of the times. It's the same reason why we don't have country wide needle exchanges. It's the same reason used to continue the war on drugs. I think you get the drift.

One of the reasons that CDC information rarely changes, is that the decisions are often politically based, as opposed to science based. It's the same reason we had 8 years of non-sex education, because abstinence was the religious/moral flavor of the times. It's the same reason why we don't have country wide needle exchanges. It's the same reason used to continue the war on drugs. I think you get the drift.

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

i dissagree i think these booklets and guide lines are written by proffessional medics i would rather take on board what they say than someone who just is considered tuned in cos they post regular in this goldfish bowl

i dissagree i think these booklets and guide lines are written by proffessional medics i would rather take on board what they say than someone who just is considered tuned in cos they post regular in this goldfish bowl

In life we all have to make choices, Tommy. Be careful with doorknobs and toilet seats as well.

Logged

"I have tried hard--but life is difficult, and I am a very useless person. I can hardly be said to have an independent existence. I was just a screw or a cog in the great machine I called life, and when I dropped out of it I found I was of no use anywhere else."

i dissagree i think these booklets and guide lines are written by proffessional medics i would rather take on board what they say than someone who just is considered tuned in cos they post regular in this goldfish bowl

Tommy, what I said is true, the CDC is often influenced, by political forces, to dilute or over emphasis issues. It has been that way for decades. I also suggest you cut the digs on my post, because at least I am smart enough to know you don't get HIV from a toothbrush.

i dissagree i think these booklets and guide lines are written by proffessional medics i would rather take on board what they say than someone who just is considered tuned in cos they post regular in this goldfish bowl

one upside to reading the CDC booklets - they are typically written on a 4th grade level to make them easier for some folk "to understand."

Most of the long-term, experienced members on here post at an 11th grade level or above -

So, I can see why you would probably want to stick with the CDC guide Tommy.

Tommy, what I said is true, the CDC is often influenced, by political forces, to dilute or over emphasis issues. It has been that way for decades. I also suggest you cut the digs on my post, because at least I am smart enough to know you don't get HIV from a toothbrush.

sorry killfoile i think your post was very intresting and i certainly wasnt having a pick at you its just my thoughts your posts are always very educational and informative to the point its refreshing you always stay on topic

"I have tried hard--but life is difficult, and I am a very useless person. I can hardly be said to have an independent existence. I was just a screw or a cog in the great machine I called life, and when I dropped out of it I found I was of no use anywhere else."

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

It is distressing enough to hear the level of ignorance that exists in the world when responding to posts in AM I INFECTED.

Dammit, the LEAST an HIV positive person can do to combat stigma is to know the transmission vectors for the VERY DISEASE that they carry.

I would go into a rant about thousands, millions of family members caring for one another when we were dropping like flies in the 1980's, without becoming infected, but it would make this post another freaking tome.

We have a well researched and state of the art LESSONS section on transmissions. We spent an awful lot of time and effort to research it from the ground up. It would do everyone a kindness if someone, anyone would read it. At All. Some time.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

Some of you are absurd. If you don't want to respond to his post then leave it alone. I am sure he knows it won't transmit through the toothbrush; however, sometimes it is nice to have some reassurance from people whose opinion you value. This is his child, all he wants is to make sure that she will be okay. The responses definitely make me question whether or not I want to ask for the opinions of those of you who get on here.

Some of you are absurd. If you don't want to respond to his post then leave it alone. I am sure he knows it won't transmit through the toothbrush; however, sometimes it is nice to have some reassurance from people whose opinion you value. This is his child, all he wants is to make sure that she will be okay. The responses definitely make me question whether or not I want to ask for the opinions of those of you who get on here.

Hi Scott:

While I appreciate your comments and opinion regarding the responses to the OPs post, I think you are missing the fact that his question was responded to on the very first reply. Also, there was also an apology to the OP for any abrasiveness or "snapping" at him that he may have felt.

As you stated above, people post on forums many times looking for opinions - and that is what they get. Because of the diverse community we have on these boards, there are equally diverse opinions. We also sometimes throw in a bit of humor and even get off track from the OPs original post or the intent of the topic. We are human. We also sometimes let our emotions get the best of us - just like in "real" life - not just cyber life.

I know when I post on here that I will usually get numerous responses to what I post - some will answer may question, some may not, some may reassure me, others may not - heck, some may not even stay on the topic I bring up --- but, 9 out of 10 times I do get my question answered, I do get support, and I do get reassurance.

While I appreciate your comments and opinion regarding the responses to the OPs post, I think you are missing the fact that his question was responded to on the very first reply. Also, there was also an apology to the OP for any abrasiveness or "snapping" at him that he may have felt.

As you stated above, people post on forums many times looking for opinions - and that is what they get. Because of the diverse community we have on these boards, there are equally diverse opinions. We also sometimes throw in a bit of humor and even get off track from the OPs original post or the intent of the topic. We are human. We also sometimes let our emotions get the best of us - just like in "real" life - not just cyber life.

I know when I post on here that I will usually get numerous responses to what I post - some will answer may question, some may not, some may reassure me, others may not - heck, some may not even stay on the topic I bring up --- but, 9 out of 10 times I do get my question answered, I do get support, and I do get reassurance.

Hope you also find the same type of experience when/if you need it.

Best to you,Phil

You took the words directly from my brain, Phil. Thank you for that.

Logged

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

You're absolutely right. Thanks for the reply and helping me look at it in a different way.

No problem -Believe me, I have to some times take a few breaths here and there when seeing responses, etc.Other times, I jump right in...Still other times, I am the one who takes the thread off topic - with the hopes that someone will come to its rescue and get it back on...Glad to see you on here and that you are expressing how you feel - never anything wrong with that (just so long as you are cool with the feedback you get and know that there will be things you like and things that will get your blood boiling) --- We are one big happy emoticon filled family